Top 7 Unrelated yet Green Things to Do for St. Patrick’s Day.

March 17th is St. Patrick’s Day. You know, the one day a year when everyone around the world is a little bit Irish. What started as a religious holiday is now an annual celebration as millions of people wear green, attend parades, kids search for mythical leprechauns and pots of gold, and many adults consume lots of green beverages.

But ‘green’ is not only associated with this festivity. Green living is becoming a way of life for many and paving the way for a better future. So, this year if you want to challenge yourself and try something different, here are some cool green ideas to get you started.

1. Stop and Smell Green Plants.

Sometimes, when you bring the outside inside, it totally transforms the experience. If you have never stayed at the Chelsea Hotel Toronto now is the perfect time. They are known for their social responsibility initiatives, and their lobby is home to a super green forest literally growing from their wall. What looks like a mini jungle is a Nedlaw Living Wall, and has been scientifically proven to clean air while breaking down pollutants using microbes associated with plants. New air returns to the lobby as fresh clean outdoor air, so go ahead, put your face right in front of the plants and take a deep breath inwards. Green air never smelled so good!

2. Go on a Green Adventure.

Green tourism is on the rise as more and more travellers want to support green establishments, give back to the earth, and participate in eco-friendly adventures. If you want to get back to nature consider visiting an animal sanctuary with rescued animals, volunteer to clean up a park or beach shoreline, help developing countries build schools, or assist with clean water initiatives. Or how about zip lining through the rain forest, kayaking along the river, or hiking through the Rocky Mountains? Then post your photos on social media and your friends will be green with envy.

3. Build Compost for Your Garden.

There is a reason the compost bin is green for organic waste! This government program turns leftover food waste into compost. But if you have a backyard and grow your own food, consider starting a garden compost by layering organic materials, kitchen scraps, soil, and leaves. The perfect soil to grow green plants!

4. Get Ready for Spring Equinox by Recycling.

The first day of spring is March 20 and now is the perfect time to recycle items you no longer need. Ensure you properly dispose of cell phones, electronics, and computers if they no longer work. Try purchasing less paper products, plastic bags, and plastic bottles.

To avoid your unwanted items ending up in a landfill consider having a spring garage sale or donating items to charity for someone else to use. As they say, one person’s trash is another person’s pot of gold (think Leprechaun).

5. Eat Your Greens.

If you aren’t particularly in the mood for broccoli, asparagus or green beans, and green beer just isn’t your thing, how about this healthy and delicious Glow Green Smoothie with Granny smith apples, parsley and avocado? Or impress your brunch guests with delicious plant-based Matcha green tea pancakes and key lime pie for dessert.

6. Use Green Environmentally-Friendly Products.

Next time you clean your home ditch the chemicals and bleach and opt for biodegradable products instead. Grab a reusable spray bottle and with inexpensive baking soda and vinegar, you can make your own cleaning agents. Or try non-toxic hydrogen peroxide diluted with water, it’s great for kitchen and bathroom surfaces, floors, and walls. Or check out biodegradable cleaning products by method. They have a green glossary on their website where they explain all about their green chemistry, greenskeepers and their powergreen technology. How much more green could you possibly ask for?

7. Drive Green

If carbon dioxide emissions (also known as greenhouse gases) sounds ominous – it is. These fossil fuels pollute the air and form smog which affects air quality, the health of living creatures and our environment. The good news is that technological developments are breaking new ground when it comes to producing cleaner vehicles. So, if you want to become a greener, eco-friendly driver, here’s how you can.

Let us know on Facebook or Twitter how green you’re going to be this St. Patrick’s Day.